Venice, FL - Housing Market News for January 2014   What is the housing market news in Venice FL for January 2014? It is good news, the housing market remains strong for the beginning of the year 2014 and we hope the trend will continue.   Find homes for sale in Venice FL       The following data is based on Single family homes and Condos only   Housing Market News – Single Family Homes In January 2014, 230 homes were listed for sale, 56 homes had gone under contract and 104 homes were sold. Compared to last year, the number ↓ went down from 107. The average median sold price was $198,750 in 2014 and home prices ↑went up 20.45% from $165,000 in January 2013.   104 homes sold in January 2014 were made up by 34 single family homes with 2 bedrooms, and sold prices ranging between   $37,000... 02/10/2014

Taylor Morrison, New Homes for Sale in Verona Reserve Venice FL  The New homes for sale are built by popular builder Taylor Morrison at Verona Reserve in Venice FL. This maintenance free, pet friendly and gated community provides a resort style living for all ages.   Verona Reserve is located at 55 acres of land on East Venice Avenue and Jacaranda Blvd – main entrance, side entrance is off of Venice Ave on Clermont Rd. The development was started in 2011. It has 165 home sites for 55 single family homes (all sold and occupied), and 110 twin villas (about 95% were built and sold). Currently the builder is continuing to building the twin villas. Verona Reserve - Single family homes Prices and Amenities The sold price in 2013 ranged from$232,400 to $255,000.  There were three floor plans. ... 02/04/2014

  Home Price in Ventura Village, Venice FL - Market Report December 2013   Attention homeowners, inventory is low in Ventura Village Venice FL.  If you are thinking about selling your property, call Kwee Huset of Kwee Huset Realty now. Home prices increased in December 2013.    To find homes for sale in Ventura Village in Venice FL     Ventura Village Market Report December 2013   Currently only 2 homes are listed for sale.6 homes are pending.  5 are villas and priced between $199,305 and $210,730 and 1 is single family home. A total of 7 homes sold. 2 were villas with an average sold price of $191,969 The average number of days on the market was 21 The average sold price to list price ratio was 96%.  5 single family homes sold. The highest sold price was $288,000, the lowest sold price... 02/01/2014

VAOS presents the 48th Annual Orchid Show & Sale, Venice FL Venice Area Orchid Society (VAOS) is proud to present one of the popular floral events in Venice FL, the 48th Annual Orchid Show and Sale. The year 2014 February theme is “Orchid Paradise”   When and Time: February 1, 2014 Saturday from 10:00am- 5:00pm                                 February 2, 2014 Sunday from 10:00am – 4:00pm Where:                Venice Community Center                               located at 326 S. Nokomis   Ave. Venice FL 34285 Ticket:                 $5 (children under age 10 is free)  Contact:               visit www.vaos.org  for more information     Orchid Show and Sale   Come and see thousands of different varieties of beautiful and colorful blooming orchids, that will be displayed as well as for sa... 01/31/2014

Things to Do in Venice, FL – January 24, 25, 26, 2014   Wow! There are so many things to do in Venice Florida this week end, such as Wings of Freedom, a concert, a craft fair, culture dinner, Veterans Gala, and organic pest control for your backyard garden classes.   January 24, 2014 (Friday) – Things to do   Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour This is a 3 days event start from Friday January 24, 2014 (2:00pm – 4:00pm) Saturday and  Sunday January 25 and 26, 2014 (9:00am – 4:00pm) at Venice Municipal Airport on 400 Airport Ave. Venice FL 34285. Admission fees for adults are $12 and $6 for children age 12 and under, FREE for Veterans. Come and see the heavy bomber aircraft B-17 Flying Fortress & B-24 Liberator used during WWII. For more information call 978-562-9182       A Taste o... 01/22/2014

  How to Protect Plants from Frost   When the temperatures start dropping below 40 degrees, it is time to consider bringing in or covering cold-sensitive plants for protection from frost damage if possible because not all plants are created equal.   Ways to Protect Plants from Frost Damage   You can begin by purchasing tightknit blankets and comforters from thrift shops if you haven’t saved your old stained and damaged ones in plastic garbage bags for just such a purpose.     Plastic that comes in contact with leaves will transfer cold and cause damage, so unless you have a barrier between the plastic and the plant, only use it as a last resort knowing  that the outer leaves and branches will probably be damaged.  Materials such as Afghans that are loosely woven provide little protectio... 01/21/2014

  Flame Vine (Pyrostegia venusta) – Flowering Vine for Florida Gardening   This bright and beautiful orange colored flowering vine is called flame vine (Pyrostegia venusta) which is native to Brazil. It is an attractive specimen for your fence in any Florida garden.  “Fire on the roof” is the Latin name.       Description of Flowering Flame Vine   It is fast growing.  The evergreen woody vine with tendrils can climb up trees and roofs of buildings.  It does not like wet ground, but can stand the cold. A freeze may kill the leaves, however they will come back. It enjoys full sunlight and blooms heavily in January and February.  Bees and hummingbirds love the flowers and help with pollination. There is no fruit or fragrance from the flowers. The brilliant orange vines are capable of cover... 01/18/2014

  Sold – Mobile Home in Colonial Manor, Venice FL   Kwee Huset of Kwee Huset Realty just sold a lake view home in a 55+ community within the City limits, located in Colonial Manor Mobile Home Park at 220 W Inner Dr., Venice FL 34285   Search for homes for sale in Colonial Manor in Venice FL     This cute well maintained, move in ready furnished 1 bedroom 1 bath 1 carport mobile home has a large Florida room, large laundry room and storage shed.  The new owner can relax and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful fountain and lake views with birds walking around or swimming in the lake and trees complete with park serenity from the living room and Florida room.   It is just a few minutes’ drive to banking, shopping, restaurants, Venice downtown and beaches. Also, the Legacy Trail is minutes awa... 01/13/2014

  Florida Fishing License and Regulations   Things you need to know before you go fishing in Florida State. First of all for your information there are license free days every year for those who enjoy fishing on freshwater and/or saltwater.     Fishing license free days for freshwater in 2014   April 5, 2014 Saturday and April 6, 2014 Sunday June 14, 2014 Saturday and June 15, 2014 Sunday   Fishing license free days for saltwater in 2014   June 7, 2014 Saturday and June 8, 2014 Sunday September 6, 2014 Saturday November 29, 2014 Saturday   No Fishing License is required if you are   1.     A child under 16 year old 2.     Florida residents 65 years and older 3.     Florida residents with disabled person Hunting and Fishing Certificates 4.     Florida residents in the U.S. Armed Services... 01/02/2014

  Venice Florida Homes for sale, Housing Market 2013   How was the housing market 2013 in Venice Florida? The homes for sale real estate market was hot hot hot. Read the following report provided by Kwee Huset of Kwee Huset Realty and find out.     Find single family homes for sale in Venice Florida   Single Family Homes - Housing Market 2013                 Price Trend Chart from 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2013     January 2013 average sold price     $246,100 ↑ 4.86%    from $234,688 in 2012 February 2013 average sold price   $248,305 ↑ 4.15%   from $238,391 in 2012 March 2013 average sold price        $248,942 ↑ 4.71%    from $237,740 in 2012 April 2013 average sold price           $246,550 ↑ 5.24%    from $234,265 in 2012 May 2013 average sold price            $254,808 ↑ 10.73%  from $230,102... 01/01/2014

  Wood stork, Dancing in the Street   On my way home after showing  a mobile home  in Colonial Manor at 220 W Inner Dr.  Venice FL  34285, I was attracted to an interesting and very unique free entertainment - dancing in the street by a bird: wood stork – a large wading bird which is listed as an endangered species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.   Relax and enjoy the video!         12/29/2013

  Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, holidays that brings joy, love and peace, bright smiles and laughter… I hope this year brings you memories to cherish forever. Some people around the world may say “Happy Holidays” as show in the photograph below.         Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you and yours!         12/25/2013

    Big Deal or No Big Deal - You Decide   This post is inspired by Debbie Reynolds’s ActiveRain challenge on “A Really Big Deal or No Big Deal "   About ten years ago, I helped a small business owner selling his business in Sarasota County, Florida. The listing went under contract quickly, due diligence was done on time, buyer was satisfied with the report and everyone in the transaction was excited and happy. However, a week before closing the buyer got cold feet, walked away and lost his escrow deposit.  And the seller also decided to withdraw the listing. After all the effort and the time spent, it was wasted for nothing because no closing no pay.  Is it a Big deal or no big deal?     A few years later I received a call and the caller said “Do you remember me, I am….   I want to inv... 12/24/2013

  There is a blood shortage at the Suncoast Communities Blood Bank (SCBB), now is the time of great giving, after the festive food of Thanksgiving and the coming of the Christmas. Come donating plasma, donating blood, save lives.   Suncoast Communities Blood Banks (SCBB) is an independent non-profit charitable organization that was established in 1949.  It provides all blood types required by local hospitals and health centers in southwest Florida.   Where:  539 Bird Bay Plaza, 539 North US 41 Bypass, Venice FL 34285Hour:     Monday – Thursday from 8:00am – 6:00pm              Friday from 9:00am – 4:30pm              Saturday from 8:00am – 1:00pm      Contact: 941-941-735-4223       Blood Types There are 4 types of blood – Group A, Group B, Group AB and Group O. The most common type is ... 12/22/2013

  Search pool homes for sale in Venice FL   Just listed – pool home for sale at 1794 Dagon Rd., Venice FL 34293   Price: $169,900 MLS number: N5782840 Bedroom: 2 Bathroom: 2 Car garage: 1 Heated square footage: 1449   Call or text Kwee Huset at 941-716-3090941-716-3090 to find out if this property is still available and make appointment for showing.   This updated 2 bedroom 2 bath 1 car garage home is waiting for you to move in.  It has brand new refrigerator, dryer and washer in 12/2013 and a sparkling pool that looks inviting, peaceful and relaxing. The bright and open home has a 209 square foot front screened porch and a large fenced in backyard with room for boat, RV and truck parking.  ADA accessible Venice Gardens playground, Community Center, Community swimming pool and Fitness T... 12/18/2013

Holly Tree - Florida Gardening   On my way home after previewing a new home-site for a new construction in Grand Palm; a green community, these bright red colorful holly trees along the road attracted my attention. I stopped by and took pictures to share with you all.       Holly trees are a hardy evergreen tree and have many bright red berries with dark green glossy leaves. The tree is slow growing in general, does not require a lot of care, and it will grow up to over 50 feet tall. It has been planted as a specimen tree for gardens, parks and yards.  It flowers in the spring and the fruits ripen in winter.     It likes sun light or partial shade. The best propagation is from cuttings.   There are more than 400 species of shrubs and trees of holly growing around the world. Many species... 12/15/2013

 Kwee Huset Named as Five Star Professional in 2014   Once again Kwee Huset of Kwee Huset Realty was named as a Five Star real estate professional in 2014. Please see the email below which is self- explanatory.   From: Five Star Professional [mailto:info@fivestarprofessional.com] Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 10:24 AMTo: Five Star ProfessionalSubject: 2014 Five Star Real Estate Agent award announcement           Five Star ProfessionalResearch that Recognizes Outstanding Service Professionals     View email as Web page Kwee Huset Kwee Huset Realty We are pleased to inform you that you have been named a 2014 Five Star Real Estate Agent. Congratulations on being selected as part of this exclusive group of professionals. You are being recognized by the largest and most widely published... 12/12/2013

  In my 22 years in Venice FL, this is the first time I came across a hilarious and dare to be different comfort zone like this. (Armchairs from living room set up on the street, for tonight’s the 38th Annual Holiday Parade at downtown Venice.) This popular holiday event will attract more than 50,000 attendees from far and near…read more here.           Happy Saturday!       11/30/2013

  NFIP – National Flood Insurance Program Changes October 1, 2013-Part III    This is the last post of the continuation series from NFIP – National Flood Insurance Program Changes October 1, 2013. This important information was obtained from Mary Elizabeth Petty of AAA Insurance Agency.       Result of NFIP changes – Exclusion of Certain Property from Receiving Subsidized Premium Rates (Renewals)  The NFIP will no longer allow renewals for certain Pre-FIRM buildings in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or zone D to receive subsidized premium rates. Renewals of these properties will experience rate increases of up to 25% annually, until an elevation certificate is provided and indicates dull risk rates are lower than current rate applied.    Severe Repetitive Loss(SRL) properties (a) A ... 11/29/2013

      Wishing you, your family, friends and loved ones a very Happy and Grateful Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Day and Happy Holidays. We give thanks for the food before us, the family and friends beside us  and the love between us, also the beautiful sunny day shining on us in Venice Florida. I thank all the readers, friends and staff of ActiveRain for your encouragement, friendship and support.     11/28/2013